7 Super Shots

April 11, 2012

One of the great things about taking this trip around the world – and there are many – has been meeting like-minded travelers online. Travel can be scary and when you’re in the planning stages of a trip with young kids you’ll often wish you had a few people to bounce things off of. I’ve been lucky. Through Facebook and Twitter I’ve met a lot of families who make me feel like I’m not as crazy as I sometimes think I am for trying to live this dream of ours.

Recently one of those people @akonthego reached across the Twittersphere and “tagged” me to participate in a shared blogging experience where I have to choose one photo for each of seven pre-assigned categories and post them here. I agreed immediately – and then took about two weeks to to write this – but I am taking part in HostelBookers 7 Super Shots. :)

And then the hard part: I had to choose.

Seven.

Over the last nine months Ish and I figure we have taken approximately 50,000 pictures. I have to choose seven.

Sigh.

Here goes: 1. A photo that…takes my breath away

Masai Mara, Kenya: Our driver mentioned that there was a pride with cubs somewhere in the Masai Mara but stressed that the chances we’d see them were slim. We believed him. By this time we’d been through Namibia and seen so many animals that we weren’t really expecting to be awestruck in Kenya. Then we saw them and all four of us couldn’t stop taking pictures. Watching this lioness with her little ones in the wild will stay with me forever.

2. A photo that…makes me laugh or smile

Luxor, Egypt: That grin! This photo of Cameron, my youngest, makes me smile. The little guy tried to play it cool but had a hard time masking his excitement as we rode in a balloon over the farm fields and up past the Valley of the Kings. 3. A photo that…makes me dream

Beautiful beachfront in Langkawi

Langkawi, Malaysia: This picture so perfectly captured what this day was like. The beach outside of the Four Seasons Langkawi was stunning. The flower in my hair is courtesy of my two sons and the boat waiting on the pier will take us through the Mangroves to an incredible experience with nature. A very good day.

4. A photo that…makes me think

Buenos Aires, Argentina: The kids at COR – a home for children whose families have been afflicted by HIV and AIDS – was the first volunteer experience we did as a family on this trip. We were all a little nervous but when we told them about our trip one of the kids brought out a map. Suddenly kids who might never get to see many of the places we were headed were dazzled by how far we’d come and spoke of their own dreams. Language barriers fell away and the ice was broken. We are so lucky to have met them. 5. A photo that…makes my mouth water

Watching your kids learn to cook is one thing. Having it be mouthwatering and drool worthy? Priceless!

Chiang Mai, Thailand: The food in Thailand is incredible but traveling with a picky eater threatened our chances of really getting to enjoy it. When Ethan, my 9-year old, turned the corner and began loving food right before we landed in Thailand I knew we were in for good times. Cooking classes sealed the deal. Now both sons can make Thai food like no one’s business and for that I am very grateful.

6. A photo that…tells a story

Delhi, India: She wasn’t the first woman at my window holding a baby and she wouldn’t be the last but the moment when I looked into her eyes and still said “No” to her repeated requests for money something in me shifted. I know that it is dangerous to give to beggars here. I know that it can lead to real harm but I didn’t like that part of who I had to be in India. I will never forget this face.

7. A photo that…I am most proud of (aka my worthy of National Geographic shot)

Siem Reap, Cambodia: We were outside of Angkor Wat when I began snapping pictures of the group of monkeys that were captivating tourists. This one was my favourite. He is eating a banana AND sticking his tongue out at the sucker he stole it from. Priceless.

I’m supposed to tag five bloggers to share their 7 Super Shots but I’m so late in the game I’m not sure there are many left who haven’t participated. So below you’ll find five blogs who always have something great to share:

You on the beach in number 3, only me beside you and two mai tais in our hands. Now that’s a dream LOL. Well at least that’s what I see when I look at it. Number 6 rips my heart out….we will have a in real life conversation about this one :)

I thought all of the photoes were amazing- you are so lucky you have the chance to travel aroung the world. What is is like always traveling? It must be fun and maybe hard being away for so long sometimes… My favourite picture was the lion, I love lions, do you? From Kate in Mrs.Guthrie’s class.

About Heather

Heather is a Contributing Editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine, sits on the advisory board for the Family Travel Association, and is a columnist for Lexpert Magazine. For over 20 years she has written articles for The Toronto Star. She also contributes to a host of media outlets in print, on television, on radio and online. When not chasing children out of her office or convincing her family that cold weather destinations should be outlawed, she enjoys movie marathons and musicals she can sing along to.